Last rites of Kerala's oldest Jew conducted in Kochi

The Jewish community of Kochi carried out the last rites of its oldest member, Sarah Cohen, at the community's cemetery here on Sunday.

Sarah's sister's son, who arrived from Israel to take part in the last rites of his aunt, was the only family member present during the funeral ceremony.

A rabbi (Jewish priest) conducted the prayers at the deceased's house before her burial in the Jewish cemetery in Mattancherry.

96-year-old Sarah passed away on Friday, less than a week before her birthday which falls on September 4.

A prominent figure among the small Jewish community here, Sarah had dedicated her life to making accessories which were essential for all practising Jews.

She had been facing memory-related ailments for some time.

Her funeral had been postponed to Sunday as the religious Jews celebrate Sabbath (the Jewish holy day or the day of rest) on Saturday.

Kochi or Cochin Jews are the oldest groups of Jews in India with some references to their settlement reportedly going back to the 12th century.